S2 87. Blind Spots and Breakthroughs: The Role of Feedback in Podcast Growth
As a creator, receiving feedback isn’t always easy. Our podcasts are personal projects where we invest so much of ourselves so it can be frightening to hear what others think, especially when the feedback isn't delivered skillfully or feels unkind. Many podcasters, fearing criticism, avoid seeking the coaching or consulting that could help their podcast grow.
As an award-winning podcast marketer and coach who specializes in helping impact-driven podcasters become visible thought leaders and achieve their business goals, I'm here to share how you can reframe feedback as a tool for growth, revealing blind spots and unlocking potential you may not have seen.
The role of Feedback Fears in Podcast Growth
Firstly, let's acknowledge that the fear of feedback is valid. The internet can be a breeding ground for scammers, but it's also filled with talented individuals who are willing to help. Don’t dismiss everyone who reaches out with feedback, as many can offer valuable perspectives that can take your podcast to new heights. Feedback should be viewed as a collaboration and a gentle nudge to help your podcast evolve.
Rather than taking feedback personally, approach it with curiosity. As podcasters, we are often too close to our work and might miss important audience nuances. Feedback is an opportunity to recognize missing context or facts that don't resonate with your listeners. Sometimes, it’s not about revamping your entire podcast but about making small tweaks based on fresh insights.
Being receptive to feedback is also about being coachable. Just as you might seek a personal trainer to enhance your physical fitness, investing in mental development through coaching can be transformative. You don’t have to know it all; sometimes feedback comes from a different perspective, revealing pathways previously unseen.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Feedback in Podcasting
01:11 Understanding the Fear of Feedback
03:56 The Importance of Being Coachable
05:53 Overcoming Feedback Deflection
08:22 Embracing Constructive Criticism
11:51 Final Thoughts and Invitation
Being humble, curious, and open to feedback
It’s crucial to remain humble and acknowledge that there are multiple routes to achieve desired results. Some might involve spending more on ads, updating your episode content strategy, or refining guest pitches. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that things must be done a certain way. If you're closed off, you're likely holding onto rigid beliefs that hinder growth.
To embrace feedback, ask yourself: Are you being coachable? Do you know enough to make the right decisions? Audience and guest feedback can expand your awareness, opening new possibilities and helping you achieve results faster.
Feedback as a Growth Accelerator
Clients often come to me with concerns about securing sponsorships due to low download numbers. When they believe they can’t grow, they might delay actions or misjudge what they must do. Investing in coaching can save time, revealing approaches and connections you might not have known. In podcasting, leveraging your skills sustainably can drive growth without needing thousands of downloads.
Feedback should not be feared but embraced as a way to learn more about yourself and your podcast's potential. Shift the mindset to see feedback as a learning opportunity that can illuminate new paths. Even as an expert, I had blind spots, which I only realized through peer feedback. It’s a continuous journey of improvement and adaptation.
You can book a free 30-minute discovery call, where we can explore how to overcome limitations and enhance your podcast's impact.
Please share this article with others who might benefit from these insights. Word of mouth is a powerful tool for growing any business, and I would greatly appreciate your support.
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ABOUT THE HOST
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.
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